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has estimated that total discharge could be 1.3 gpm through bedrock aquifers to <br /> the White River, which is less than a tenth of a percent of the base flow of the <br /> river. Therefore, the expected change in the recharge capacity of the bedrock <br /> aquifers would not be a significant impact to the alluvial aquifer. <br /> The surface recharge capacity of the alluvial material in Scullion Gulch may be <br /> reduced due to the construction of cuts and fills in the portal areas. This <br /> disturbed area is small relative to the total area of Scullion Gulch and therefore <br /> impacts are expected to be very minor. <br /> Due to the presence of Kenney Reservoir,water withdrawal from the White <br /> River lagoon will not cause measurable drawdown in the alluvium at the well <br /> field site. The quantity of water that will be pumped is less than one percent of <br /> the low flow of the river. <br /> In summary, the impact of mining on the ground water hydrologic system will be <br /> minimal, primarily because of the limited amount of ground water that is <br /> naturally found in the area. <br /> Other than the Deserado Mine, there are no permitted coal mining operations in <br /> the State of Colorado presently situated within the drainage basin of the White <br /> River. Therefore,no significant cumulative hydrologic impacts upon the White <br /> River are expected in Colorado other than those predicted to occur as a result of <br /> the mining activities at Deserado Mine. The Division finds, in accordance with <br /> C.R.S. 34-33-114(2)(c) and Rule 2.07.6(2)(c),that the operation has been <br /> designed to prevent material damage outside the permit area. <br /> IV. Topsoil-Rule 4.06 <br /> A. The Division previously found that the proposed"reverse sequence soil <br /> replacement" plan, in conjunction with the proposed field trials, is appropriate for <br /> refuse area reclamation, pursuant to 4.06.2(4)(a). This finding is based on field <br /> observations of topsoil and subsoil stockpile vegetation cover, evaluation of <br /> topsoil and subsoil chemical and physical characteristics, and observation and <br /> evaluation of RP-1 revegetation data. The subsoil will be more suitable for <br /> sustaining desired vegetation than the available cheatgrass-infested topsoil. Within <br /> the refuse areas, a minimum of one foot of topsoil will be replaced,with a <br /> minimum nontoxic cover(topsoil and subsoil)thickness of 30 inches. The operator <br /> has committed to document that suitable quantities of topsoil/cover material are <br /> being salvaged. <br /> V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings-Rule 4.07 <br /> Sealing of wells, holes, and other openings is discussed n Section V.F of Vol. 4 of the <br /> permit application. <br /> xxxii <br />